The Document Library serves as a centralized repository housing a diverse collection of essential documents and resources. It provides convenient access to a variety of materials, including manuals, guides, and reference documents, ensuring that users can easily locate and utilize key information.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
01 March 2025, New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General –on Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory as the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal reaches its conclusion. The past six weeks have provided a fragile but vital reprieve, offering a measure of relief to both Palestinians and Israelis. Thousands of trucks carrying life-saving assistance entered Gaza, with aid having reached nearly every person in the Strip. It is imperative that all efforts be made to prevent a return to hostilities, which would be catastrophic.
The Secretary-General urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and find a way forward on the next phase. A permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages are essential to preventing escalation and averting more devastating consequences for civilians. The Secretary-General continues to call for the dignified, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The parties must ensure humane treatment for all those held under their power. Humanitarian aid must continue to flow, without impediment, be adequately funded, and occur in an environment ensuring the safety and security of civilians and other protected persons, including humanitarian workers.
The Secretary-General also calls for an urgent de-escalation of the alarming situation in the occupied West Bank.
As Ramadan -- a time of peace and reflection -- begins, the Secretary-General calls on all sides to spare no efforts to end all violence. The United Nations stands ready to support all such endeavours.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General on the situation in Gaza
11 February 2025, Paris
Secretary-General on the situation in Gaza
We must avoid at all costs the resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead to an immense tragedy.
I appeal to Hamas to proceed with the planned liberation of hostages next Saturday.
Both sides must fully abide by their commitments in the cease-fire agreement and resume serious negotiations in Doha for the second phase.
António Guterres
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General's remarks to the opening of the 2025 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People
05 February 2025, New York
Secretary-General's remarks to the opening of the 2025 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People [as delivered]
Mr. Chair, Ambassador Coly Seck,
Bureau members,
Let me begin by congratulating you on your election.
I want to salute this Committee for its work.
At its essence, the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is about the right of Palestinians to simply live as human beings in their own land.
We have seen the realization of those rights steadily slip farther out of reach.
We have seen a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people.
Of course, nothing justifies the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7.
And nothing justifies what we have seen unfold in Gaza over the last many months.
We all know too well the catalogue of destruction and unspeakable horrors.
The nearly 50,000 people — 70% of them women and children — who have been reported killed.
The majority of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure -- hospitals, schools, and water facilities – that has been destroyed.
The overwhelming majority of the entire population who have faced displacement after displacement, hunger, and disease.
Children, out of school for over a year.
A generation, left homeless and traumatized.
I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
I thank the mediators —Egypt, Qatar, and the United States— for the continued efforts to ensure implementation.
Now it is time to be crystal clear about objectives going forward.
First, we must keep pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages without delay.
We cannot go back to more death and destruction.
For our part, the UN is working around the clock to reach Palestinians in need and scale up support.
That requires humanitarian access that is rapid, safe, unimpeded, expanded, and sustained.
I call on Member States, donors, and the international community to fully fund humanitarian operations and meet urgent needs.
And I once again urge Member States to support the essential work of UNRWA.
Second, in the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse.
It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law. It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.
Third, we must reaffirm the two-State solution.
Any durable peace will require tangible, irreversible and permanent progress toward the two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.
A viable, sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability.
Excellencies,
Beyond Gaza, the situation continues to unravel in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
I am gravely concerned by rising violence by Israeli settlers and other violations.
The violence must stop.
As affirmed by the International Court of Justice, Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territory must end.
International law must be respected, and accountability ensured.
We must work toward preserving the unity, contiguity, and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
A strong and unified Palestinian governance is crucial.
The international community must support the Palestinian Authority to this end.
Excellencies,
The UN is fully committed to peace, stability, and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
I commend this Committee for its steadfast dedication to these goals and call on the international community to fully support these efforts.
And I thank you.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General’s statement on a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza
Secretary-General’s statement - on a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza
I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.
I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America — for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal. Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough. I call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this deal is fully implemented.
From the outset of the violence, I have called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict. The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer. It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support. The humanitarian situation is at catastrophic levels.
I call on all parties to facilitate the rapid, unhindered, and safe humanitarian relief for all civilians in need. From our side, we will do whatever is humanly possible, aware of the serious challenges and constraints that we will be facing. We expect our efforts to be matched by other humanitarian actors, the private sector and bilateral initiatives.
This deal is a critical first step, but we must mobilize all efforts to also advance broader goals, including the preservation of the unity, contiguity, and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Palestinian unity is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability, and I emphasize that unified Palestinian governance must remain a top priority.
I urge the parties and all relevant partners to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region. Ending the occupation and achieving a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements remain an urgent priority. Only through a viable two-state solution can the aspirations of both peoples be fulfilled.
I pay tribute to the civilians who have lost their lives, including UN personnel and humanitarian workers.
The United Nations is steadfast in its commitment to supporting all efforts that promote peace, stability, and a more hopeful future for the people of Palestine and Israel, and across the region.
[END]
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
29 November 2024, New York
Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people. This year’s commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been.
Nothing justifies the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins, more than 43,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been reportedly killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. This is appalling and inexcusable.
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, evictions, demolitions, settler violence and threats of annexation are inflicting further pain and injustice.
It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States.
As a matter of urgency, I appeal for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people – in particular through the work of UNRWA, which represents an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.
The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on North Gaza
27 October 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on North Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in North Gaza is unbearable. Just in the past few weeks, hundreds of people have been killed, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, and more than 60,000 others have been forced to flee yet again, many fearing not being able to return.
The Secretary-General is shocked by the harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction in the north, with civilians trapped under rubble, the sick and wounded going without life-saving health care, and families lacking food and shelter, amid reports of families being separated and many people detained.
Repeated efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies essential to survive – food, medicine and shelter – continue to be denied by the Israeli authorities, with few exceptions, putting countless lives in peril. The postponement of the final phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza is putting the lives of thousands of children at risk.
The Secretary-General warns that the widespread devastation and deprivation resulting from Israel’s military operations in North Gaza – especially around Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun – are making the conditions of life untenable for the Palestinian population there. This conflict continues to be waged with little regard for the requirements of international humanitarian law.
The Secretary-General underscores that the parties to the conflict must respect and protect civilians, including humanitarian workers and first responders whose vital work must be facilitated and protected – not impeded and jeopardized.
In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General reiterates his calls for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and accountability for crimes under international law.
[END].
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General's press encounter on the situation in the Middle East
08 October 2024, New York
Secretary-General's press encounter on the situation in the Middle East
The nightmare in Gaza is now entering an atrocious, abominable second year.
This has been a year of crises. Humanitarian crisis. Political crisis. Diplomatic crisis. And a moral crisis.
Over the last year -- following the horrific terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October -- Gaza has become ground zero to a level of human suffering that is hard to fathom.
More than 41,000 [Palestinians] have been reportedly killed, mostly women and children. Thousands more are missing and believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Virtually the entire population has been displaced – and no part of Gaza has been spared.
Journalists have been killed at a level unseen in any conflict in modern times.
And humanitarians – those who have dedicated their lives to helping others – are facing unprecedented, epic dangers.
A record number – including so many members of our UN family -- have paid with their lives.
The vast majority of those killed were part of the backbone of humanitarian relief operations in Gaza -- UNRWA.
In the midst of all the upheaval, UNRWA -- more than ever -- is indispensable.
UNRWA -- more than ever -- is irreplaceable.
That’s why I have written directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express profound concern about draft legislation that could prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Such a measure would suffocate efforts to ease human suffering and tensions in Gaza, and indeed, the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory.
It would be a catastrophe in what is already an unmitigated disaster.
Let’s be clear in practical terms what such a measure would mean.
Operationally, the legislation would likely deal a terrible blow to the international humanitarian response in Gaza.
UNRWA’s activities are integral to that response. It is not feasible to isolate one UN agency from the others.
It would effectively end coordination to protect UN convoys, offices and shelters serving hundreds of thousands of people.
Without UNRWA, the delivery of food, shelter and health care to most of Gaza’s population would grind to a halt.
Without UNRWA, Gaza’s 660,000 children would lose the only entity that is able to re-start education, risking the fate of an entire generation.
And without UNRWA, many health, education and social services would also end in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
If approved, such legislation would be diametrically opposed to the UN Charter and in violation of Israel’s obligations under international law.
National legislation cannot alter those obligations.
And politically, such legislation would be an enormous setback to sustainable peace efforts and to a two-state solution – fanning even more instability and insecurity.
This draft legislation comes as the situation in which Gaza is in a death spiral.
The latest developments in the north are especially dire.
We are witnessing a clear intensification of military operations by Israel.
Residential areas have been attacked. Hospitals ordered to evacuate. And electricity cut off – with no fuel or commercial goods allowed in.
Around 400,000 people are being pressed yet again to move south to an area that is overcrowded, polluted and lacking the basics for survival.
Consider the situation for a family in the Jabalya refugee camp in the north.
They were ordered to leave their homes in October 2023.
Active operations subsided, and they returned.
They were once again ordered to evacuate in December 2023.
Active operations subsided, and they returned.
They were ordered again to evacuate in May 2024.
Active operations subsided, and they returned.
And just this month, they were once again ordered to evacuate.
The conclusion is clear: there is something fundamentally wrong in the way this war is being conducted.
Ordering civilians to evacuate does not keep them safe if they have no safe place to go and no shelter, food, medicine or water.
No place is safe in Gaza and no one is safe.
International law is unambiguous: civilians everywhere must be respected and protected – and their essential needs must be met, including through humanitarian assistance. All hostages must be released.
I strongly condemn all violations of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza.
Meanwhile, southern Gaza is overwhelmed.
Supplies are running low and Israeli authorities are only allowing a single, unsafe road for aid from the Kerem Shalom crossing, where humanitarians face active hostilities and violent, armed looting, fueled by desperation and the collapse of public order and safety.
I have warned for months of the risks of the conflict spreading.
The Middle East is a powder keg with many parties holding the match.
The situation in the occupied West Bank is boiling over.
Now, in Lebanon, attacks – including on civilians -- are threatening the entire region.
Over the last few days - exchanges of fire between Hizbullah and others in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces -- have intensified across the Blue Line, in total disregard of Security Council resolutions 1701 and 1559.
Large-scale Israeli strikes deep into Lebanon – including Beirut -- have killed more than 2,000 people over the last year – and 1,500 in just the past two weeks alone.
The toll has already surpassed the 2006 war in Lebanon.
Attacks by Hizbullah and others south of the Blue Line have killed at least 49 people over the last year.
Lebanese authorities report over one million people have been displaced in Lebanon – and 300,000 people have fled into Syria.
Over 60,000 people remain displaced from northern Israel.
Recently, the IDF started incursions across the Blue Line.
We are on the verge of an all-out war in Lebanon – with already devastating consequences. But there is still time to stop.
The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.
Members of our own peacekeeping force in Lebanon -- UNIFIL – continue to carry out their mandates to the extent possible.
The mission relies on full compliance by all parties. I want to again express my gratitude and admiration to our peacekeepers and Troop Contributing Countries.
The men and women of UNIFIL are serving in what is today the most challenging environment for peacekeepers anywhere.
All actors must ensure their safety and security.
And we must do far more on the humanitarian front.
The US $426 million humanitarian aid appeal for Lebanon is only 12 per cent funded.
I urge donors to step up.
Dear ladies and gentlemen of the media,
The conflict in the Middle East is getting worse by the hour -- and our warnings about the horrific impacts of escalation keep coming to pass.
Every air strike, every missile launch, every rocket fired, pushes peace further out of reach and makes the suffering even worse for the millions of civilians caught in the middle.
That is why we cannot and will not give up on our calls for an immediate ceasefire both in Gaza and Lebanon, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and immediate lifesaving aid to all those who desperately need it.
That is why we cannot and will not give up on our calls for irreversible action for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
All people in the region deserve to live in peace.
Thank you.
Spokesperson: Thank you. Nabil?
Question: Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General. Nabil Abi-Saab, Al Araby TV Station. Yesterday, the Iranian foreign minister in Beirut said for the ceasefire to take place in Lebanon, it should first take place in Gaza. Do you think this is a constructive position and helps to reach a political solution? And what's the first step about 1701, the roadmap to implement 1701? What should be the first step?
Secretary-General: We are asking for a ceasefire both in Gaza and in Lebanon.
Spokesperson: Thank you. Yvonne Murray, Irish Television.
Question: Thank you very much, Secretary-General. Yvonne Murray, RTE News. My question is about you mentioned UNIFIL and the peacekeepers there. As you know, the Israeli army, the IDF, has set up a firing position right adjacent to Outpost 652 where Irish soldiers are currently stationed. What are your concerns now as the fighting moves northwards towards larger UNIFIL camps?
Secretary-General: We are naturally very concerned. Yesterday, I had the chance to speak with your prime minister, and after that I did a number of demarches with different entities. And I can now tell you that those Israeli tanks and other armed elements that were around the 652 position have left.
And I strongly appeal to both parties to fully respect the safety and security of UNIFIL.
Spokesperson: Thank you very much.
Secretary-General: Thank you. Thank you very much.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General's message to mark one year since the attacks of 7 October 2023
07 October 2024
Secretary-General's message to mark one year since the attacks of 7 October 2023
Today marks one year since the horrific events of October 7th when Hamas launched a large-scale terror attack in Israel killing over 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals, including children and women.
More than 250 people were abducted and taken to Gaza, including many women and children.
The October 7th attack scarred souls – and on this day we remember all those who were brutally killed and suffered unspeakable violence – including sexual violence – as they were simply living their lives.
This is a day for the global community to repeat in the loudest voice our utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of Hamas, including the taking of hostages.
Over the course of the past year, I have met with the families of hostages…learned more about the lives, hopes and dreams of their loved ones…and shared in their anguish and pain.
I cannot imagine the torture they are forced to endure every day. I request once again the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Until then, Hamas must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit those hostages.
The 7th of October is naturally a day to focus on the events of that awful day. I express my solidarity with all the victims and their loved ones.
Since October 7th, a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed has erupted.
The war that has followed the terrible attacks of one year ago continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, and now the people of Lebanon.
I have spoken out about this often and clearly.
It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region. Time for peace, international law and justice.
The United Nations is fully committed to achieving those goals.
In the midst of so much bloodshed and division, we must hold on to hope.
Let us honor the memory of the victims, reunite families and end the suffering and violence in the whole Middle East.
And let us never stop working for a lasting solution to the conflict where Israel, Palestine and all other countries of the region can finally live in peace and dignity and with respect for one another.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General condemns the death of at least 18 people, including children, women, and six UNRWA staff, in Israeli airstrikes that hit a school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat on 11 September. This incident raises the number of UNRWA staff killed in this conflict to 220. The IDF stated that they had targeted a command-and-control centre in the compound. This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.
The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable. Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must be protected and the essential needs of civilians met. The Secretary-General calls upon all parties to refrain from using schools, shelters, or the areas around them for military purposes. All parties to the conflict have the obligation to comply with international humanitarian law at all times.
The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This horrific violence must stop.
[END]
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
10 September 2024, New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's Israeli air strikes in a densely populated Israeli-designated zone in Khan Younis and the killing of civilians, including women and children.
The use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas is unconscionable.
Displaced Palestinians had moved to this area in Khan Younis in search for shelter and safety after being repeatedly instructed to do so by the Israeli authorities - but there is no safe place in Gaza.
Today’s attack comes as humanitarian workers yesterday faced one of the most horrific assaults on their ability to deliver life-saving vaccines. Twelve UN staff members, whose movement was fully coordinated with Israeli forces and whose details were shared in advance, were stopped at a checkpoint on their way to northern Gaza to support the polio vaccination campaign. Israeli forces fired live shots and the UN convoy was compacted by a military tank and a bulldozer with our staff inside. The convoy was held at this checkpoint for seven and a half hours and ultimately unable to fulfill its humanitarian mission. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this incident.
The Secretary-General once again recalls that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be complied with at all times by all parties to the conflict. He also calls for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, as well as the facilitation of humanitarian access.
The Secretary-General reiterates once again his calls to reach an immediate deal on a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.